Predicting the Unpredictable: The NFL Playoffs

Cleveland Browns(11-6) @ Houston Texans(10-7)

What the Browns have done this year is nothing short of amazing. They steamroll their way into the playoffs with their fourth, yes fourth, starting Quarterback. The timeless Joe Flacco has turned back the clock over the latter part of the season to renew the believe in the Cleveland organization and fanbase. The Browns boost the top defensive unit in the league, led by All-Pro Edge rusher Myles Garrett. But it’s the linebacking group that hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. Their ability to control the middle of the field is unparalleled in the league and the secondary is one of the most disciplined units. On the other side of the field, the Houston Texans are in a spot they didn’t think was achievable – not yet, anyways. A rookie head coach and rookie Quarterback make it to the playoffs for the first time in league history. CJ Stroud’s stat line resembles something out of the Madden video game. Stroud has thrown for 4108 yards and 23 touchdowns, while only throwing 5 interceptions over that span. Wideout Nico Collins has burst onto NFL radars as one of the league’s top receivers. The Texans also have a solid run game and an offensive line that is improving with every snap.

Analysis: This game looks pretty even on paper, but there’s one thing that can’t be measured. Experience. The Browns are loaded with playoff experience between Kareem Hunt, Joe Flacco, Amari Cooper and the defensive holdovers from the last team to make the playoffs. While the Texans do have Devin Singletary and Robert Woods on roster, neither are impactful enough to tip the scales of the game. They have a young and extremely talented roster, but anybody with playoff experience will tell you – the NFL playoffs just hit differently.

Prediction: Browns control the game 27-13.

Miami Dolphins(11-6) v. Kansas City Chiefs(11-6)

The weather is going to be cold. The weather is going to be so cold, they’re selling tickets for $38 to try and get some butts in the stands. The Dolphins travel to KC and tough conditions after failing to secure the AFC East down the stretch in the regular season. A week 18 loss to the Bills solidified that Miami was going to a cold weather team. Speed is the name of the game for Miami, and they do have Tyreek Hill, who has played in these kinds of conditions before. Not safe from these conditions is the Kansas City Chiefs, either. While they’re more accustomed to the colder temperatures, the temps that KC is supposed to get on Saturday night aren’t normal for any area not named Antarctica. The Chiefs offense has been a shell of its former self and the cold conditions may end up being a dagger in a rather disappointing season for Patrick Mahomes and company. Their wide receivers have been plagued with drops and subpar play all year, that teams have basically schemed Travis Kelce out of being a major force. The defense, on the other hand, is one of the best in the league.

Analysis: The weather is going to play a huge factor in this game and it shouldn’t be dismissed by people. The defense that hits the hardest and flies around the fastest will likely end up being the team that comes out victorious. Due to that, the edge goes to Kansas City. While the offensive side of the ball actually favors Miami, the conditions could be the great equalizer. Tua Tagovailoa is 0-6 in games that are below 35 degrees, and this game could end up being almost 60 degrees colder than that.

Prediction: Kansas City’s defense proves that this team in now a defensive team 17-12.

Green Bay Packers(9-8) v. Dallas Cowboys(12-5)

This is the most intriguing game on the weekend slate. The red hot Packers traveling to one of the most complete teams in the league, the Dallas Cowboys. What makes this game so compelling is that the aura surrounding Dallas has a lot of Cowboys fans excited about a potential playoff run(I feel like this is every year and every year….well, you get the point). Dak Prescott is playing lights out and has his name in the middle of the MVP run and CeeDee Lamb is balling out right now with his best year of his career. There’s a lot to be excited about right now, but it doesn’t come without concerns. They got handled by Arizona early in the year, dismantled by San Francisco, as well and they struggled against the Chargers and Seahawks. The Bills and Dolphins both beat them down the stretch, making them .500 in the last 4 games of the year. The Packers on the other hand have gotten red hot down the stretch, and the NFL playoffs are usually about who gets the hottest at the right time. They went on a 3 game win streak to close the year and get into the race for the Championship. Jordan Love has proved that they made the right decision, not only in drafting him, but waiting for him and making him Aaron Rodgers successor. They have one of the youngest WR corps in the league, though, and that’s a concern, especially against this Cowboys defense and secondary.

Analysis: ALL the pressure is in this game. That’s a concern, as well, primarily because they haven’t proven they can handle the pressure. The expectations are through the roof and that could cause trouble in Jerry world. Love and the Packers are playing loose and fast and they seem to be the most comfortable heading into the week. They don’t have anything to lose and it could be dangerous to a team like Dallas.

Prediction: Upset! Dallas’ experience buckles under the pressure, GB edges out a W 24-23.

Los Angles Rams(10-7) v. Detroit Lions(12-5)

The Lions host their first playoff game since the 90’s and Matthew Stafford returns to Detroit with playing spoiler on his mind. In a game that connects these two franchises to one another after an explosive trade sent Stafford to LA and Goff to Detroit, it looked like the Lions had made another mistake when Stafford and the Rams raised the Lombardi over their head. But things change drastically in the NFL and quickly, as the Lions and Goff have been one of the best offenses and teams in the league this season. Dan Campbell has completely changed the culture in Detroit, and he has a roster filled with guys who believe they can do this. The Rams, on the other hand, have had a really solid year after a sluggish start and they showed their toughness and grit in multiple victories this year. Both teams are dangerous, and it is actually kind of depressing that we have to see this game happen in the wild card round. Finding late round talent appears to be Rams newest trick, as a pair of 5th rounder rookies are in the running for their respective rookie of the year honors(WR Puka Nacua and DT Cobie Turner).

Analysis: The key to this game will rest in which defense wants to make stops. While the expectation is that both offenses will open this game, there’s unique blend of talent on both defenses that could lead this game to be boring for three quarters before fireworks set off. The experience the Rams have gives them an edge, but the revenge and determination qualities that the Lions possess could lead to them winning their first playoff game in, what feels like, forever.

Prediction: Fireworks! Lions make one more play than the Rams 34-30.

Pittsburgh Steelers(10-7) v. Buffalo Bills(11-6)

Since firing offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey, the Buffalo Bills have accumulated a 6-1 record. While this ended up being the right move, the Bills are still relying too much on Josh Allen and need to find a way to take some of the workload off of him. When they get James Cook involved heavily and early, the offense looks cleaner and crisper than it does when he struggles. They’ll be without Gabe Davis for this game, as well. Since firing offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, the Steelers have looked like a completely different offense. The new offensive masterminds have utilized Najee Harris correctly, which has allowed this offense to open up more and get Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, involved. They have given the QB reigns to Mason Rudolph, who has had a small, little resurgence since taking over for Mitchell Trubisky. So much so, that the healthy Kenny Pickett can’t even get back on the field. This game was moved to Monday at 4:30pm, due to extreme weather conditions in Buffalo.

Analysis: The Bills are definitely the most frustrating team in the AFC. Coming out of week 17, there was a chance they would either end up being a 2 seed or missing the playoffs. It’s been one of the most curious seasons ever for the Bills. The late special teams touchdown gift came at the perfect moment to lift them into the 2 seed. The Steelers have had struggles of their own this season, but the defense is amongst the best in the league and if the offense can get into an early rhythm, it could lead to another disappointing end to Buffalo in the playoffs.

Prediction: The Bills struggle, but keep it close, closing out the game late 27-24.

Philadelphia Eagles(11-6) v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers(9-8)

It’s well documented about the Eagles. The team has suffered a catastrophic collapse in the last 6 games. After starting the season 10-1, the Eagles have gone a miserable 1-5 over down the stretch, losing the NFC East championship and dropping to a 5 seed. To compound and make matters worse, Jalen Hurts got his middle finger smashed up on his throwing hand and AJ Brown suffered a knee injury in the week 18 loss to the Giants. Brown has now been officially ruled out of this game. Hurts didn’t throw a ball until late in the week and Devonta Smith limps into the playoffs banged up, as well. The Buccaneers have had an impressive year under first year starter Baker Mayfield. While the record shows that they haven’t been without their struggles, Head Coach Todd Bowles, has found a way to rally his defense into making key plays in key moments to secure wins for the team. The Bucs also consist of one of the most talented offensive rosters in the league. The weakest point of the team has been the defense, so its likely welcoming of a banged up offensive unit from Philly.

Analysis: While the Eagles are banged up, you can’t discount them. They have constructed one of the most talented NFL rosters in the league and despite the injuries, they have late playoff experience. The Bucs struggle in the secondary and if they don’t find a way to slow Devonta Smith and Dallas Goedert down, it could still be a long day for the guys. They have to rely on Rachaad White and try to keep the Eagles offense off the field if they want to win this game.

Prediction: Too many obstacles for the Eagles to overcome, Baker does enough 24-18.

~Michael Washington

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